Australia has beaten India by eight wickets in the first game of a one-day international women’s cricket series at Sydney’s Hurstville Oval on Friday.

Set a target of 184, the Australians achieved it with 12.2 overs to spare.

Alex Blackwell top scored with 75, while Lisa Sthalekar made an unbeaten 73.

After a rocky start, India rallied to make six for 183.

Captain Jhulwan Goswami top-scored with 46, while Australian bowlers Emma Sampson and Ellyse Perry each took two wickets.

The series continues on Saturday at the SCG.